Chester Burton Atkins born 20 June 1924 - Died 30 June 2001 in Nashville, T… Read Full Bio ↴Chester Burton Atkins born 20 June 1924 - Died 30 June 2001 in Nashville, Tennessee, United States (1942–1996) . was an American guitarist and record producer. Together with Owen Bradley, Atkins created the smoother country music style known as the Nashville sound, which expanded country music's appeal to include adult pop music fans as well. His virtuoso picking style - inspired by Merle Travis, Django Reinhardt, George Barnes and Les Paul - brought him admirers both within and outside the country scene. Atkins produced records for Eddy Arnold, Don Gibson, Jim Reeves, Jerry Reed, Connie Smith, and Waylon Jennings.

Tiger Rag
Chet Atkins Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Where's that tiger! Where's that tiger!
Where's that tiger! Where's that tiger!
Hold that tiger! Hold that tiger ! Hold that tiger!
Choke him, poke him, kick him and soak him!
Where's that tiger? Where's that tiger?
Where oh where can he be?
Low or highbrow, they all cry now
"Please play that Tiger Rag for me"

Low or highbrow, they all cry now
"Please play that Tiger Rag for me"

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Chet Atkins's song "Tiger Rag" speak of the search for a tiger, with the repeated line "Where's that tiger?" serving as a sort of call and response between the musicians and the audience. The song is full of energy and enthusiasm, encouraging listeners to "hold that tiger" and "choke him, poke him, kick him and soak him!" The chorus speaks to the universal appeal of music, with people of all backgrounds and social classes requesting that the band play the titular "Tiger Rag" for their enjoyment.

Line by Line Meaning

Where's that tiger! Where's that tiger!
Where is the elusive, exciting tiger, the representation of the captivating rhythm that is about to be unleashed through the music?

Hold that tiger! Hold that tiger ! Hold that tiger!
Keep the lively rhythm going and maintain its intensity with every note played.

Choke him, poke him, kick him and soak him!
Put in all the energy and passion into every note just like a wrestler would use all their strength to overpower their opponent.

Where oh where can he be?
Where has that captivating rhythm gone, and when can the listeners enjoy it again?

Low or highbrow, they all cry now
No matter what background or social status someone may have, they are all united in their love for the captivating rhythm of the Tiger Rag.

"Please play that Tiger Rag for me"
A request to the musician to play that unforgettable, exciting rhythm that captures everyone's attention and makes them want to dance.

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Antonio Sbarro, Edwin Edwards, Henry Ragas, Larry Shields, Sidney Bechet

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Comments from YouTube:

musket 0402

7y↑6

Wonderful! I like Chet's understated way of playing.

Jon Botten Solhaug

3y↑5

The best guitar player ever.

Stjepko Boban

2y↑2

Genius, my hero!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! RIP

GitaarEddy

4y↑10

I love how at 0:12, 0:42, 0:52 and 1:19 Jimmy Dean is like, HOLY SHIT THIS IS REALLY HAPPENING!

PJ Riverdale

5y↑6

Taped at the Ryman Auditorium, original home of the Grand Ole Opry.
The Ryman was
nominally an NBC radio studio hosting Deans ABC TV show...
Dean's microphone is an RCA "Starmaker", rare even then. Examples today trade in 4 digits.
Atkins' guitar is a single cut C/G, without his name on the guard. Possibly a prototype or custom equipped.